Sri Lanka ETA 2026: Now Free for UK & European Visitors
The Short Version
Yes, you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka, but since 25 May 2026 the 30-day tourist ETA is free for UK citizens and visitors from most of Europe, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. You must still apply online at the official site, eta.gov.lk, before you fly, and your passport needs at least six months' validity on arrival.
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Last checked: 21 October 2026 against GOV.UK's Sri Lanka entry requirements.
Yes, you need an ETA to visit Sri Lanka, and for most UK and European travellers it is now free. Since 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka has issued its 30-day tourist Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) free of charge to nationals of 40 countries, including the UK and most of Europe. You still have to apply online before you travel, and only the official site, eta.gov.lk, should be used.
This guide explains who qualifies for the free ETA, how long it lasts, how to apply step by step and what to expect when you land. Once your paperwork is sorted, start planning with our 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary.
What Is the Sri Lanka ETA?
The ETA is Sri Lanka's online entry permission for short visits, and it counts as a form of visa. You apply on the official website, and once approved it is linked electronically to your passport number, so there is no embassy visit and no need to post your passport.
GOV.UK's travel advice is clear: to enter Sri Lanka, you need to apply for an ETA, and tourist ETAs are now issued free of charge and are valid for 30 days. Your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the day you arrive.
Who Gets the Free ETA? (2026 Update)
The free tourist ETA came into effect on 25 May 2026, after Sri Lanka's Parliament approved the change on 7 May 2026. It covers 40 countries. For our UK and European travellers, that includes:
- United Kingdom
- Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium
- Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Austria
- Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland
- Poland and the Czech Republic
Nationals of countries outside the scheme still need an ETA and pay a fee, so check the current amount on eta.gov.lk. The free scheme has been described as a trial, so always confirm the rules for your nationality on the official site before you book.
How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA, Step by Step
Use only eta.gov.lk. Dozens of unofficial sites look almost identical and charge a "service fee", sometimes for an ETA that is free. Type the address yourself rather than clicking search adverts.
Step 1: Have Your Details Ready
You don't need to upload documents for a standard tourist ETA, but you will need:
- A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
- Your intended arrival date.
- An address in Sri Lanka, such as your first hotel or your tour operator.
Step 2: Fill In the Application
On eta.gov.lk, choose "Apply" and select the tourist ETA. Enter your personal, passport and contact details exactly as they appear in your passport.
Step 3: Check Whether a Fee Applies
If your nationality is on the free list, there is nothing to pay for the tourist ETA. If it isn't, the site will show the fee before you pay by card.
Step 4: Get Your Approval
You will receive an acknowledgement email straight away and an approval email, usually within one to two days. Keep a printed or digital copy with your passport. GOV.UK advises carrying proof of your ETA when you travel.
Arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport
At immigration in Colombo, the officer may ask for:
- Your passport, which is linked to your approved ETA.
- Proof of a return or onward flight.
- Proof that you can support yourself during your stay (rarely checked).
If you are only transiting through Sri Lanka by air, you don't need a visa.
Staying Longer Than 30 Days
If 30 days isn't enough, you must apply to extend your stay with Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration before your ETA expires. Don't overstay: GOV.UK warns that overstaying can lead to detention, a fine, deportation or a ban on future travel. If you need to visit the immigration office in Colombo in person, you could pair it with our Colombo: The Vibrant Capital tour.
Visiting the Maldives Too?
A 30-day ETA is long enough for a combined Sri Lanka and Maldives trip, but check whether your approval allows a second entry before you plan to leave and come back. Our Sri Lanka and Maldives holiday guide covers how to split your time.
Apply for your ETA early, check your passport dates and you can start your Sri Lanka holiday stress-free from the moment you land.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
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